Under the Cursed Moon - CH - 38 (Patreon)

As the sun began to set over Forks, a sense of uneasy anticipation filled the air. Bella Swan had accepted Edward Cullen into her life, and the whispers of Bella dating Edward had quickly spread through the small town and the surrounding tribe. It was a bold move for someone so deeply rooted in the human world, but Bella had always been drawn to the mystery of the Cullens, and now that she knew the truth about Edward, her curiosity only deepened.

At the Cullen household, the atmosphere was different. Edward's family welcomed Bella with open arms, eager to see their brother finally find happiness. They had watched him endure centuries of solitude, and to them, Bella represented a chance for a new beginning—a chance for Edward to experience the warmth of human connection. They shared smiles and laughter, and Bella found herself quickly enveloped in their world.

However, not everyone was pleased with this development. The members of the Quileute tribe were deeply concerned about Bella's newfound relationship with a vampire. Harry had warned the Cullens about the precarious nature of their pact with the tribe—the agreement that no Cullen would bite or harm a human within the tribal lands. Jacob Black and the other shapeshifters were particularly vocal about their disapproval, citing the danger Bella was now in.

Harry called a meeting with the tribal elders and the Cullens, hoping to find common ground. As they gathered in the clearing near La Push, the tension was palpable. The elders, proud and protective of their traditions, stood firm. Harry began, “I understand your concerns, but we must find a way to navigate this situation without escalating tensions.”

Sam Uley glared at Edward, his arms crossed defiantly. “How can you just stand by and allow this to happen? Miss Swann is putting herself at risk! We have no idea what kind of danger she’s inviting into her life.”

Edward remained calm, his golden eyes locked onto Sam’s, unwavering. “I would never put Bella in harm’s way. I care for her deeply. If it’s any consolation, I have no intention of turning her against her will. That’s not how I operate.”

Jacob interjected, his voice firm. “The pact exists for a reason, Cullen. You know what could happen if you break it. It’s not just about you; it’s about the safety of our people. If Bella becomes a vampire, what then? We can’t allow it to happen in our territory.”

Harry stepped forward, feeling the weight of both sides. “I understand the fears and concerns, and they are valid. But I propose a solution. When the time comes, if Bella wishes to be changed, we can arrange for it to happen away from here, in a place where the pact won’t be violated. She will be taken somewhere safe, away from all of this.”

Bella’s voice, soft yet firm, broke through the tension. “I appreciate that, Harry, but I need to make my own choice about my future. I won’t rush into anything without understanding what it truly means.”

Edward nodded in agreement. “Bella deserves the opportunity to choose for herself. She’s strong and capable, and I would never pressure her into making a decision she isn’t ready for. I will respect her wishes.”

Harry continued, “It’s important for Bella to wait until she turns eighteen. That age carries significant weight in many cultures, and it should be respected here as well. Bella needs to be sure about her choice and understand the consequences that come with it.”

Sam and Jacob exchanged glances, the tension in their expressions easing slightly. “I can agree to that,” Sam said reluctantly. “But we need to ensure that Bella understands the gravity of this choice. It’s not just about her; it affects all of us.”

“Agreed,” Harry affirmed. “Bella, if you decide to pursue this path, you will have support from both the Cullens and the tribe, as long as it is done away from our lands. We want to make sure you’re making the right choice, one that you will be proud of for the rest of your life.”

With a nod, Bella looked around at the faces of the people surrounding her. She could see concern etched into Jacob’s features, the love in Edward’s eyes, and the protective nature of Leah. “Thank you,” she said quietly. “I’ll take my time to think about it. I want to understand everything before I make a decision.”

The meeting ended on a cautious note, with the understanding that Bella would be given the space she needed to navigate her new reality. As she walked back to the Cullen house with Edward, she felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. The world she had stepped into was more complex than she had ever imagined, but with each passing day, she was drawn deeper into the mystery that was Edward Cullen and the world of vampires.

Meanwhile, in the shadows, the threat of the wandering vampires lingered, a reminder that even amidst newfound relationships, danger could strike at any moment. Harry knew they had to remain vigilant, for Bella’s sake and for the peace of Forks and La Push.

The Cullen household was alive with activity as the day finally arrived for Bella Swan to visit. Carlisle and Esme moved through the spacious kitchen with a sense of purpose, making sure everything was perfect for their guest. Esme had taken special care in preparing a variety of dishes, even though they wouldn’t be consuming anything substantial. After a long time, it felt good to cook for someone, and her excitement was palpable.

In the living room, Edward paced slightly, his nerves evident despite his calm demeanor. The rest of the family was present, each engaged in their tasks but glancing up every now and then to check on Edward. They had feasted on blood pops earlier, a precaution to keep any bloodlust at bay while Bella was in their home. Jasper, usually attuned to the emotional undercurrents in the room, seemed unusually relaxed. He too had benefitted from the calming influence of the blood pops, and his usually tense shoulders had softened.

As the clock ticked closer to Bella’s arrival, the atmosphere shifted from anxiety to anticipation. Suddenly, the familiar sound of Edward’s car pulling into the driveway drew their attention. Edward’s face lit up, and he hurried to greet Bella at the door, his excitement infectious.

“Bella!” he called, extending a hand as she stepped out of the car. She smiled back at him, a mixture of nervousness and eagerness sparkling in her eyes.

“Hey, Edward. Thanks for inviting me,” Bella said as she followed him inside.

The warmth of the Cullen home enveloped her, and she was struck by how different it felt from the rest of Forks. Everything was impeccably clean and beautifully arranged, reflecting Esme’s touch. As they moved into the living room, Bella was welcomed by the rest of the family, who greeted her with genuine smiles.

“Welcome, Bella,” Carlisle said warmly, gesturing toward the sofa. “We’re so glad you could join us today.”

“Thanks for having me,” she replied, settling into a comfortable chair. The conversations flowed easily, and Bella found herself quickly at ease. The family was charming and engaging, each of them contributing to the lively atmosphere.

They laughed, shared stories, and Bella felt as if she were part of something unique and special. For the first time, she glimpsed the depth of the bond the Cullens shared. Their connection was palpable, a kind of family unity that was both comforting and intriguing.

Just as the conversation reached a crescendo, disaster struck. Bella reached for a napkin and, in a moment of carelessness, she accidentally cut her finger on the edge of a plate. The small trickle of blood immediately drew the attention of the vampires in the room, and for a split second, time seemed to freeze.

However, to everyone’s astonishment, there was no overwhelming wave of bloodlust. Edward’s expression shifted from concern to relief, and Jasper’s eyes widened as he processed the fact that he felt no hunger—only calm.

“Bella!” Edward exclaimed, quickly moving to her side. “Are you okay?”

She looked at him, a little startled. “It’s just a small cut. I’ll be fine.”

As Esme rushed forward with a bandage, Carlisle maintained a close watch on his family. He had been deeply concerned about this moment, but now he felt a surge of pride in how far they had come. Even Jasper, who had struggled with bloodlust in the past, stood nearby, visibly relaxed.

After Esme expertly wrapped Bella’s finger, the atmosphere lightened again, laughter returning as they all marveled at how they had managed to navigate the potential disaster. They were ready to invite more humans into their midst; today had been a significant step in proving that they could coexist without losing control.

“Harry warned us not to rely on blood pops too heavily,” Carlisle reminded them, his voice serious but encouraging. “We must continue to work on managing our thirst. We don’t know how long we’ll be able to procure them.”

“I know,” Edward said, glancing at Bella with a mix of determination and protectiveness. “But we’re making progress. Bella’s here, and she’s safe.”

As the afternoon turned into evening, Bella felt a warmth in her heart. She knew that despite the inherent dangers of their world, she had stepped into a family that genuinely cared for her. The experience of being with the Cullens had opened her eyes to a world she never knew existed, and she found herself falling deeper under their spell.

Outside, the rain began to fall softly against the windows, and inside, the Cullen household glowed with warmth, laughter, and the promise of new beginnings. Bella’s journey had just begun, but she was ready to embrace whatever challenges lay ahead, especially with Edward by her side.

After his heartfelt conversation with Harry and Leah, Jacob felt a sense of clarity wash over him. It was no longer about competing for Bella’s affection; he could see how deeply Edward cared for her and how special their bond was. Rather than pursuing romantic intentions, Jacob decided to focus on building a solid friendship with Bella. It was a choice that felt right, freeing him from the weight of rivalry and allowing him to appreciate her for who she was.

Edward, who had the unique ability to read thoughts, sensed Jacob’s resolve. He felt a wave of relief that Jacob had chosen this path, and he approved of the budding friendship. “As long as Bella’s happy,” Edward mused to himself, knowing that Jacob would protect her in ways he couldn’t. Their friendship developed quickly, with Jacob bringing a sense of warmth and familiarity to Bella’s life that complemented Edward’s more intense presence.

As the fire crackled and the stars began to twinkle overhead, Bella felt a mix of contentment and anxiety. Everything seemed to be going smoothly on the surface, but she knew that the deeper truths about their lives were still waiting to be unveiled. The bond she was forming with both Jacob and Edward felt significant, and she couldn’t help but wonder what challenges lay ahead as their worlds continued to intertwine.

Jacob’s laughter echoed through the night air as he recounted a story from his childhood, illustrating his antics as a boy. Bella found herself hanging on every word, captivated by the vivid images he painted. “I swear, I was convinced I could outrun a bear once,” he said, grinning. “Turns out, not so much. The bear was not impressed with my speed.”

Edward chuckled softly, his amusement evident. “You seem to have a talent for getting yourself into trouble, Jacob. How many times have you outrun danger now? Three? Four?”

“Hey, it builds character!” Jacob protested, waving a hand dismissively. “Besides, it’s not like you can talk, Mr. ‘I’ve-turned-myself-into-a-brooding-sadness.’”

Edward’s smile faded slightly, a flicker of something darker crossing his features. Bella noticed it immediately, the way the light of the fire cast shadows across his face, highlighting the weariness in his eyes. “I’d hardly call it brooding,” Edward replied, though his voice carried an edge of tension.

“Boys,” Bella interjected, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. “Let’s keep the mood light, okay? We’re supposed to be having fun.”

Jacob leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Right, sorry. Just keeping things interesting.” He flashed her a grin, though Bella could see the hint of seriousness beneath his playful demeanor.

The trio fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, the sounds of the night surrounding them: the rustling of leaves, the distant calls of nocturnal creatures, and the crackle of the fire. But as Bella gazed into the flames, her mind wandered back to Edward’s earlier comments about hiding who they were.

“Do you ever wish you could just tell people the truth?” Bella asked suddenly, her voice barely above a whisper. “About vampires and shapeshifters, and all of this?”

Edward’s gaze shifted to her, an intensity flaring in his golden eyes. “It’s not as simple as that, Bella. Revealing our true selves would put you—and everyone we care about—in danger.”

“But you can’t keep it hidden forever,” she argued, her frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “I mean, look at how quickly Jacob and I became friends! What if there are other people out there who would accept you both? What if there are more like us?”

Jacob nodded thoughtfully, his expression turning serious. “You have a point. But it’s not just about acceptance. There are risks involved. People react differently to what they don’t understand. Fear can lead to violence.”

As night fell, Bella felt the weight of the world pressing down on her. She knew that the harmony they had found was fragile, a precarious balance that could be shattered by secrets and misunderstandings. Yet she also felt a sense of resolve, a burning desire to face whatever challenges lay ahead, side by side with her friends.

Little did they know, the forces watching from the shadows were already making plans of their own, and the calm they experienced was just the eye of the storm. Unbeknownst to Bella, Jacob, and Edward, dark days lay ahead, threatening to disrupt the fragile peace they had created. The true nature of their world would soon be revealed, testing the bonds of friendship and love in ways they never anticipated.